PRACTICE AREAS
Misdiagnosis
ABOUT THIS CASE
Cancer Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most common types of medical malpractice cases is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of cancer. This is particularly true of breast cancer, which, according to various reports, represents the largest segment of medical malpractice lawsuits in the U.S.
One reason for this is the fact that breast cancer is so common relative to other forms of cancer. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the U.S. and the leading cause of death for women ages 40 to 55. Despite this, many women who develop breast cancer and could be treated are denied the opportunity when physicians negligently fail to diagnose their condition until it is too late.
The result of this negligence is often the loss of treatment options and/or the chance of survival.
The following are examples of some of the more common acts of negligence by physicians in failing to timely diagnose and/or treat breast cancer:
- Failing to order a mammogram, misinterpreting a mammogram, or otherwise failing to react to mammogram findings
- Relying upon mammography in place of a physical breast examination
- Failing to perform a breast examination which would have identified an obvious tumor
- Failing to identify a palpable lump during a breast examination
- Diagnosing a breast infection instead of a cancerous tumor
- Diagnosing a tumor as benign and failing to perform a biopsy
- Disregarding a history of sharp pain in the breast, or signs of retraction
- Failing to determine the cause of nipple discharge
- Relying upon negative aspiration biopsy
- Failing to order additional radiological tests, a biopsy, or ultrasound when appropriate
- Failing to communicate with the patient
When a diagnosis of cancer is made, the physician examines the affected tissue and identifies the type of cancer by the microscopic appearance of the cells. The doctor then classifies the cancer according to how advanced it is – otherwise known as staging.
When a diagnosis of cancer is made, the physician examines the affected tissue and identifies the type of cancer by the microscopic appearance of the cells. The doctor then classifies the cancer according to how advanced it is – otherwise known as staging.
Boca Raton Medical Malpractice Attorneys are Here for You
If you believe that a physician’s failure to timely diagnose or treat breast cancer may have resulted in a loss of treatment options and/or chance of survival, call Brotman Nusbaum & Ibrahim now at (888) 661-6266 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM.
The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay. You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages, but timely steps must be taken before the statute of limitations expires or the claim can be forever lost.
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